Broncos vs. Colts: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

Regular-season contests don't get much juicier than having the Denver Broncos roll into Indianapolis for a showdown with the Colts on NBC's Sunday Night Football.

The Broncos (6-0) head into this contest as just one of two undefeated teams. Meanwhile, the Colts (4-2) are not far behind in the AFC and have first place all to themselves in the AFC South, which is more than the Broncos can say about their standing in the AFC West.

This sets up for what is a prime AFC showdown and a pivotal matchup for both teams. And the race for conference supremacy isn't even the biggest story emanating from the pregame buzz surrounding this matchup.

That has to do with a certain quarterback who fancies the No. 18. I'll have more on that below, but check out some vitals to help you enjoy watching, and perhaps even placing a little wager on, the Broncos vs. Colts.

Peyton Manning's return to Lucas Oil Stadium was always going to be big news, even it happened after he retired from the game and was just making one last appearance in front of the fans he thrilled for 13 NFL seasons.

Now that it comes with both Manning's new team and his old one in the thick of the playoff race and with both Manning and his heir apparent, Andrew Luck, playing extraordinary football, the hype meter is bursting through the roof. It also doesn't hurt that Colts owner Jim Irsay picked this week to weigh in on his decision to not keep Manning.

Manning is enjoying an amazing season. He's already thrown for 2,179 yards 22 touchdowns and just two interceptions. If the season ended today, Manning's 128.8 quarterback rating would be higher than any he's posted in his Hall of Fame career.

All of this puts Colts fans in an odd position. Manning didn't give them any reason to not continue to love him in his departure. Leaving was not his choice. He is a legend in that city and will almost certainly be beloved there his entire life and well beyond.

However, the Colts are going to need Manning to suffer a drop in his recent level of play if they are going to win this big game.

Prediction: Colts 35, Broncos 31

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

This is going to be a great game. The Colts enter with the league's fifth-best pass defense and will look to frustrate their former leader. I don't know that they'll frustrate him, but they'll slow him down just enough to eke out the win.

The Broncos' pass defense is falling apart. Two weeks ago the Broncos allowed Tony Romo to throw for over 500 yards and five touchdowns. Last week, the Broncos allowed the Jaguars' Justin Blackmon to catch 14 passes for 190 yards and Chad Henne eclipsed the 300-yard mark. Again, this is the Jaguars we're talking about.